MANCHESTER United midfielder Darren Fletcher is backing the "wounded animal" to bite back in the new season.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes his players might have to go throughout the coming campaign unbeaten if they are to snatch the Barclays Premiership title away from Chelsea.

His multi-millionaire squad certainly looked hungry as they romped to an impressive 5-1 win at Clyde and Fletcher believes his team-mates will be eager to retaliate after finishing last season without a trophy.

He said: "United are a club who will be looking for a big season even - if we had won the FA Cup.

"It was a very disappointing season for all of us because this club has to be competing for the Champions League, Premiership and all the cups and we have to be winning at least the league in every season.

"Last season we were just not good enough and the FA Cup final was so disappointing because we were so dominant in it.

Stronger

"So we will be like a wounded animal and we will come back stronger this time. We have a point to prove this time."

Ferguson has also encouraged contract rebel Rio Ferdinand to sign the club's substantial new offer so the players are not distracted from trying to make amends for last time.

But he would have been concerned by the reaction of the travelling United supporters, who turned on the England international after standing by his during his ban.

Assistant manager Carlos Queiroz insisted that the songs and jeers from the fans was a worry ahead of the new campaign and Fletcher also tried to play down the situation.

"That's an issue for Rio and the club and really nothing to do with me," said the Scotland international.

"I want to concentrate on what I am doing and I'm sure Rio will concentrate on his football and ignore anything else.

"The club will take care of itself and I'm sure Rio will."

Will United bounce back to title-winning form this season? Have your say.